BRANFORD, Conn. — The nation’s first hospice plans to study how medical marijuana can help dying patients.

Officials from Connecticut Hospice Inc. in Branford said Monday they hope to improve pain management while also reducing opioid use in palliative care.

They also want to decrease nausea and vomiting while improving patients’ appetites and overall well-being.

Last week, St. Francis Hospital in Hartford announced it received state approval to begin studying the effectiveness of medical marijuana as a painkiller for traumatic injuries.

Connecticut Hospice Inc. says it has federal approval for its study.

A recent state law enables research into the benefits of medical marijuana to be vetted by a new institutional review board and okayed by the state’s Department of Consumer Protection commissioner. Connecticut’s medical marijuana program allows such research to take place.

Planning to enjoy cannabis? A rolling joint is no longer that hip in today’s modern times.

If you plan on taking your joint outside the house, the most popular way to do it is by using portable vaporizers.

Unlike the desktop vaporizers, the best portable vaporizers are handy, while some other versions can even be discreet. Some might even be mistaken for a phone, making vaping enjoyable without the unnecessary attention.

But not all portable vaporizers are equal. There are those options that offer better overall experience to its users.

Here are some of the best portable vaporizers of 2017.

#1: Mighty Vaporizer By Storz and Bickel

Made by the same company that made the Volcano, this product doesn’t disappoint. Unlike most portable devices that are considered conduction vaporizers, the Mighty is convection and conduction type portable vaporizer. It is a hybrid vaporizer that brings twice the battery life and capacity than Crafty, its smaller counterpart.

Because of its size, the Mighty can bring the heat without the aid of a separate app. Heat up time takes around 1:30 to 2:00 minutes which is quite faster than the Crafty. In contrast to other portable vaporizers, this can be considered a bit slow, since a lot of portable vaporizers can easily heat up at one minute mark. However, you’ll notice that the Mighty can provide much more consistent temperature during draws.

The chamber size of the Mighty can hold around 0.2 grams of dry herb, while it can extend to 0.3 grams if you grind the herb quite fine. This can give you around 5-6 hits. And because of the size of the Mighty, it was able to accommodate a decent sized battery that can give you a good number of sessions before it gets drained. You can get around 8 sessions from this device.

But of course, if you are the type of enthusiast who is particular about being discreet in public, its size can be a problem. And coming from the same makers as the Volcano, expect that this product can be quite pricey.

#2: Pax 2 By Pax Labs

Considered by many critics as one of the best functioning portable vaporizers, Pax by Ploom is a vaporizer for dry herbs. It is a user-friendly, discreet and high-quality product that fits more or less in your hand.

It is an efficient device. The chamber can hold around 0.2 to 0.4 grams, and could already give you 10 to 20 draws. You can use this device for an hour. Ploom also has a 10-year warranty for this device.

To use the Pax portable vaporizer, you can just push the mouthpiece, and it becomes ready for sessions. Once the mouthpiece pops up, the heater also warms up immediately, and the device is ready to use within a minute.

#3: K-Vape By Kandypens

Another portable vaporizer on our list is the K-Vape by Kandypen portable vaporizers. Kandypen portable vaporizers are available in different colours. This portable vaporizer has a discreet simplified design that looks like a lipstick.

Just like any other vape pen design, it makes use of an atomizer to heat the material. It produces decent sized clouds with a slight relative draw. Unlike most vaporizers in the market that make use of ceramic chambers, the K-Vape made use of quartz to prevent absorption of the concentrated. This prevents any weird burnt taste on your draws. What it provides users is a purer and cleaner tasting vapor.

The capacity of K-Vape is at around 0.3 grams which allow you to get around more than 30 hits depending on how long you draw from the device. To get good sized clouds on your draw, you’ll need to give do at least around 5-second draws.

Despite the small design, the device offers three temperature options that you could choose from. It is also colour coded to give you an idea if the device is on low, medium or high settings.

#4: G Pen Elite By Grenco Science

Grenco Science is one of those brands that made a reputation for making generic portable vaporizers straight from Alibaba. The G-Pen Elite, on the other hand, is a bit different than other products from Grenco Science. It is considered by critics as the device that showcased a “monumental leap in technology”.

The G Pen Elite is a vaporizer that has been designed for flowers. It measures around 3 inches which make the device handy and comfortable to use. The device can handle around 0.75 grams in its ceramic heating chamber. According to the company, it is a combination of both conduction and convection system.

The device can heat up to 420 degrees Fahrenheit in just half a minute. The mouthpiece functions as an airflow restrictor. But it was made for a good reason. If not for the air restriction function of the mouthpiece, the vapor would’ve been too hot. The downside about the G Pen Elite is that it has minimal room for cooling.

#5: Arizer Air By Arizer

The Arizer Air is the updated and improved version of the Arizer Solo portable vaporizer. You can get around an hour of vaping with the Arizer Air. This device can be used even while it is being charged. Also, it has a safety feature which turns the device off right after 10 minutes of inactivity.

Regarding components, the Arizer Air has a ceramic chamber and glass components. This helps keep the vapor to be pure. It has five temperature settings, not to mention one button to control everything. 374 and 394 degrees Fahrenheit are two of the best options that provide the best tasting vapor.

There’s not much draw resistance from the Arizer Air. To get maximum vapor, you can do 5-10 second draws.

#6: Firefly 2 By Firefly Vapor

Last but not least on our list of best portable vaporizers for 2017 is the Firefly. The first impression on the Firefly is that it looks like a flip camera. Rounded in size, the Firefly is a portable device that isn’t quite discreet because of its size. It has a sleek design though which gives it a modern feel.

It heats the material via convection method. Since the material isn’t in direct contact with the device’s heater, it helps create the best tasting vapor. This means that the material doesn’t get combusted and you get clean vapor. The downside is that it may take a bit of time before the herbs are heated up.

What is your Vaporizer? Comment below and share it with us!

Related

San Diego has become the first city in California where legislation has been introduced to allow currently operating medical cannabis dispensaries the ability to sell to everyone 21 and older until the industry’s statewide recreational use regulations have been finalized.

The proposed ordinance also establishes rules and guidelines for recreational cannabis outlets, which are expected to open sometime in the first half of 2018. These rules are practically identical to the rules in place for medical cannabis dispensaries; this includes a requirement of being 1,000 feet from public parks, schools, daycare centres, churches, playgrounds, libraries and – ridiculously enough – residential neighborhoods. The rules also limit the company’s marketing and branding potential by prohibiting the use of symbols or graphics such as the cannabis leaf.

“While we haven’t completed a detailed review of this proposal, the city’s highly restrictive zoning for medical cannabis dispensing has proven effective at protecting the quality of life in our neighborhoods, and using the existing restrictions as the model for these new regulations is a good starting point,” said Phil Rath of the United Medical Marijuana Coalition. “We look forward to engaging this process moving forward to ensure the regulations are clear, enforceable and allow our members to continue to operate peacefully in our respective communities.”

The proposal would allow the state’s medical cannabis dispensaries to become distributors of both medical and recreational cannabis once the market has been established; Colorado took a similar approach.

In California the possession and use of up to an ounce of cannabis, and the personal cultivation of up to six cannabis plants, is legal thanks to last month’s passage of Proposition 64. Cannabis retail outlets are also allowed under the initiative, but as mentioned above won’t be open until sometime in 2018.

In San Diego there are currently 15 licensed cannabis dispensaries.
Published at Wed, 14 Dec 2016 19:58:34 +0000

When it comes to purchasing medical marijuana, most patients head to the dispensary and pick up pre-rolls or buds. What many don’t realise is that ensuring you have the proper strain and highest quality product starts long before you shop. Just as gardeners have learned that growing vegetables from seed is best, MMJ growers are finding more success in starting with seeds rather than cloned plants

I should know. I was diagnosed with five eye diseases and Multiple Sclerosis by the age of 30. After battling the harsh side effects of my doctor-prescribed medications, I began experimenting with medical marijuana as a natural alternative. Medical cannabis is something that helps me cope with day to day life. It reduces the tremors and shakes from the MS and relieves the headaches and eye pain from my glaucoma. MMJ allows me to be a normal member of society without being in a drug induced coma from my prescription medication.

I have spent the past decade researching the genetics of marijuana strains. I’m self-taught but being a patient myself, I’ve experimented with dozens of combos and pinpointed the specific strains that are most beneficial for specific health issues.

I believe that MMJ has the ability to change modern medicine as we know it. I think about all those senior citizens out there battling some pretty devastating illnesses and between the costs of the drugs being prescribed and the side effects, MMJ is really a much better alternative for them.

As one of today’s most successful cannabis seed producers, Edward Clarizio of The Cali Connection, came into the business honestly. A medicinal user himself, he pushes genetic marijuana breeding boundaries and is widely accepted as a pioneer in the creation of new marijuana strains. He is the second oldest supplier of cannabis seeds in America and the oldest in California and holds more than 50 High Times Cannabis Cup wins.
Published at Thu, 15 Dec 2016 03:36:18 +0000

You may remember in our previous post, that Mexico was set to vote on legalizing medicinal marijuana. While there was concern that other issues would take precedence over the marijuana legislation, the Senate was able to come to a decision on the new bill.

In a landslide victory of 98-7, medicinal cannabis was voted to pass. As we previously reported, the focus of this bill was to expand access to CBD. However, this bill, also allows a small percentage (1% or less) of THC to be present in medicinal products.

The bills allows opens access for researchers to continue studies regarding the medicinal properties of marijuana and the ability to grow cannabis for this purpose.

“It’s been years that we’ve been fighting for acknowledgment and approval and recognition of the medical and therapeutic uses of cannabis, and today we finally have something,” said Lisa Sanchez, director of drug policy for Mexico Unido Contra la Delincuencia, according to Reuters.

You can find a full report here.
Published at Thu, 15 Dec 2016 15:29:35 +0000

On November 8th Massachusetts voters approved Question 4 to legalize cannabis. Tonight at midnight, as it becomes December 15th, a huge part of that initiative takes effect.

Once it hits midnight, it will immediately become legal for everyone 21 and older to possess and use up to an ounce of cannabis; if at a private residence they can possess up to 10 ounces. They can also grow up to six plants.

At this point there is no legal outlet for those in the state to obtain cannabis, until the legal cannabis market is up and running (sometime next year). However, if somebody is already in possession of cannabis, or finds a way to obtain it, it won’t be legal for them to retain possession and consume it.

For those wanting the full details on the new law, the full text of Question 4 can be found by clicking here.

Anthony, co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of TheJointBlog, has worked closely with numerous elected officials who support cannabis law reform, including as the former Campaign Manager for Washington State Representative Dave Upthegrove. He has also been published by multiple media outlets, including the Seattle Times. He can be reached at TheJointBlog@TheJointBlog.com.

• These could be the next cool wave, or are flavored hash oils already played out?

• Imagining 1960s Alabama marijuana education, and putting yourself in the shoes of U.S. attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions.

• The connoisseur-grade cannabis market is real, and Californians are leading the charge.

TOP MARIJUANA NEWS

Exit interview: Obama talks marijuana in Rolling Stone: Marijuana should be treated as a public-health issue in the same vein as cigarettes or alcohol, President Barack Obama said in an interview with Rolling Stone. In this “exit interview” with the music and popular culture magazine, the outgoing president touched on a variety of topics — including marijuana — prior to the transfer of power to a president-elect Donald Trump and Republican-controlled House and Senate. –Report by The Cannabist’s Alicia Wallace

Grandma, grandpa, wanna talk weed? This new adult marijuana use study may shock you: Baby boomers are getting high in increasing numbers, reflecting growing acceptance of the drug as treatment for various medical conditions, according to a study published Monday in the journal Addiction. The findings reveal overall use among the 50-and-older study group increased “significantly” from 2006 to 2013. Marijuana users peaked between ages 50 to 64, then declined among the 65-and-over crowd. Men used marijuana more frequently than women, the study showed, but marital status and educational levels were not major factors in determining users. –Report by Kaiser Health News’s Carmen Heredia Rodriguez

Cannabist 2016 Gift Guide: 20 ideas for every enthusiast on your list: The holiday season has arrived, so we’re arming you with The Cannabist’s gift guide for 2016. It’s our third annual compilation — when shopping for weed gifts, it just keeps getting better and better. This year, a head shop revolution is changing the game with highly curated selections of stylish smoking accoutrements that actually fit into our lives. And as we suspected, haute couture is even more on board with the likes of Alexander Wang putting pot on the runway. Check out 20 gift ideas that make cannabis culture a regular part of our lifestyle. –Report by The Cannabist’s Katie Shapiro

QUICK HIT

Is legal weed flattening beer sales?: This bud’s a potential downer for beer. A research note issued by Cowen & Company financial analysts suggests that beer volume sales in the legal recreational cannabis states of Colorado, Oregon and Washington are under-performing the overall U.S. beer market by 2.6 percentage points year-to-date. “In adult-use cannabis markets, there are clear signs that cannabis is weighing on beer category trends,” Cowen analyst Vivien Azer wrote in the report. She also noted: “Mainstream beers are the biggest drag, while craft is also slowing. Imports look the most immune.” –Report by The Cannabist’s Alicia Wallace

POT QUIZ

Test your current-events knowledge about pot and pesticides, one of the most-utilized qualifying conditions for medical marijuana, Florida’s stake in the MMJ game and more.

Subscribe to The Cannabist Show podcast:

Did you know that Queen Victoria medicinally used marijuana to help period cramps? That’s right, the stuffy broad with her nose in the air, even she had a smoke.

Just search the web and you’ll find more than enough recommendations on how to relieve these monthly pains. But most online sources won’t mention marijuana, unless you’re looking. Women make up over half the countries population and period cramps affect most women in their lifetime… so why aren’t we talking about this more?

(Psst, probably because female menstruation is treated as a cultural taboo…just like marijuana.)

Marijuana prohibition had largely wiped out this well-known cure. But women never forget the traditions that keep their bodies healthy and they’ve definitely not forgotten about marijuana’s benefits. Take Whoopi Goldberg’s recently released line of marijuana products specifically designed for tackling period symptoms. Whoopi & Maya sells everything from bath balms to chocolates. Or there’s Foria, a marijuana-infused vaginal suppository. Talk about sticking it to mother nature!

It’s well established at this point that marijuana is an effective pain reliever. It’s been known to reduce anxiety and induce calm. So it’s really a no brainer that this already tried-and-true method of pain relief works well for period cramps. It takes the edge off of mood swings while dulling the aches in your gut. What more can a woman ask for…besides a large pepperoni pizza, Strawberry LaCroix, the Star Wars Trilogy (there’s only one worth talking about), and a body pillow?

And knowing these facts well as I sat down to write this evening and my abdomen erupted into an immense throbbing…the kind as a women I could pinpoint within seconds…I quickly turned to the only thing that has ever granted me relief from these monthly grips. I rolled up a joint, inhaled and exhaled. The throbbing was still there, but the sharp edges of pain were immediately dulled. My lower back muscles relaxed. And when my body finally even itself out, I was back to functional.

My story is not new. But if you’re lying there while your uterus reminds you who’s boss, wondering if marijuana will help with your period cramps (and you have access to legalized marijuana). Know that the answer is yes and there’s a multitude of products out there to help.

If you’re interested in getting into the nitty-gritty of what’s going on in the female body during menstruation, check out this study.
Published at Fri, 09 Dec 2016 14:02:12 +0000

Planning to buy a vape, but with limited funds on your wallet?

Does it mean that you have to settle for a plastic taste on your vaping experience? Or just stick to smoking cannabis? Fortunately, you have great options for portable vaporizers under $200!

Thanks to the growing demand for cannabis and vape products, the industry evolved and is now catering affordable, high-quality vaporizers. You don’t have to settle for a less satisfying vape experience just because you aren’t willing to pay for a Volcano.

These days, there are a lot of portable vaporizers in the market that are sold for under $200. These portable vaporizers are known for their portability, unique design, and high-quality vapor.

Check our list for the best portable vaporizers under $200 in the market.

#1: G Pen Elite By Grenco Science

Dubbed as a monumental leap in technology according to Grenco Science, the G Pen Elite is unlike your ordinary generic portable vaporizer made from random Chinese OEM factories. It measures around 3.4 inches tall and 1.2 inches wide and made of plastic material. This device can hold around 0.75 grams of cannabis.

According to the manufacturer is a convection vaporizer. This means that air heats up the material via the chamber. When most vaporizers, especially small portable ones make use of conduction method in heating the materials, Grenco Science claims that they have a convection device. But according to cannabis connoisseurs online, they are convinced that the G Pen Elite is a combination of both conduction and convection technology.

What exactly can you expect from this vaporizer? For starters, it heats up to 428°F in roughly half a minute. The good thing about this device is that you don’t get a plastic taste, which could indicate that it makes use of dominantly a convection vaporizer.

As for the downside, it appears that the device is designed with an airflow constrictor. Why exactly did Grenco Science design the device with an airflow restrictor? This avoids instances when you taste hot vapor in your mouth. And because of this, minimal cooling seems like a necessity for this device.

And lastly, the design of the G Pen Elite is discreet. It looks like a kitchen equipment or some music player made of plastic, rather than a cannabis paraphernalia.

#2: Magic Flight Launch Box By Magic Flight

Another portable vaporizer under $200 that you should check is the Magic Flight Launch Box. This vaporizer looks nothing like other portable versions out there in the market.

The Magic Flight Launch Box offers a simplified approach to vaping. A carved box made of wood, it is quite surprising how this device can compete with some of the modern vaporizers in the market. This device is handmade in San Diego, California via an 87 step process that the company designed specifically to enhance the overall vaping experience.

Looking at the device, The Magic Flight Launch Box looks primitive with no buttons to overcomplicate things. On the other hand, looking at the inside of the device tells a different story. The Magic Flight Launch Box has superb engineering that works using two double A batteries. And to get the device working, you’ll need a plastic tube for your draws.

The best thing about this device is that it is discreet. You won’t recognize the device as some vaporizer. In addition to this, it has a huge chamber to accommodate a decent amount of herbs. In terms of vapor quality, it is comparable to the most expensive options in the market.

Unfortunately, it isn’t the sturdiest product that you can depend on. But still, for its price, it makes a good option if you plan on taking your vaping sessions outside the comforts of your home.

#3: K Vape Vaporizer By Kandypens

If you are looking for a device that isn’t pricey and easy to use, then K Vape might interest you. Measuring 5.5 inches tall and around 1 inch thick, this device only has one button and two lights. It has three pre-set temperatures: 360°F (Red), 380°F(Green) and 420°F(Blue).

The K Vape can easily outperform similar products in the market in terms of vapor quality. And despite the size, you’ll never experience combustion from this device. It also provides an accurate temperature for its users. The lowest temperature is suggested for extracting flowers while the highest setting can produce some of the thickest vapor by a portable vaporizer.

The Kandypen K Vape is a dry herb vaporizer, small enough to fit in your pants and has a comfortable rubber grip. When being used, the device can get a bit hot, but it isn’t too hot that it can hurt your hands.

The device also has an auto-shutoff feature which can help preserve the battery when it isn’t in use. It automatically turns off within three minutes of being inactive. It can also fit around 0.6 grams of material in its chamber.

#4: DaVinci Ascent By DaVinci

Are you the type who is into loose leaf vaping? Then DaVinci Ascent makes perfect sense for you. It is a multi-functional vaporizer that also works well with essential oils and concentrates. Its size is roughly around two iPhones that are stacked above each other.

It has a high-tech design meant to deliver quality vapor to its users. Da Vinci Ascent offers flexible temperature from 38 to 430°F. What makes this device superb in terms of quality is its glass pathway design. This prevents any type of plastic taste that usually comes from portable vaporizers on the market.

The lower third of the device is where you can place the material. It swings 180 degrees to open the chamber. You’ll need to make use of a glass insert if you are going to use this device, while loose leaf should be grounded into tiny pieces to get the best results.

The device heats up to your desired temperature in half a minute. Also, this device is known for its steady draws. Unfortunately, if you are after milky flavorful draws, you might be a bit disappointed with this device. Another downside of this particular device is that it can get a bit sticky after a session, not to mention it is quite hard to load the material on the device.

#5: Alfa Vaporizer By Goboof

The Alfa by Goboof is a tough contender not only for under $200 portable vaporizers but even for the other flower vaporizers in the market. It’s a small, simple and easy to use a device that can make everyone happy.

The cylindrical chamber is well designed by Goboof. For one, it has one of the easiest to clean designs in the market. Next, its heating chamber makes use of a heating pin which allows equal distribution of heat to the cannabis. Though this device is a portable conduction vaporizer, you will not be getting a plastic taste from this particular device.

In terms of design, the Alfa is compact and smaller than most standard portable vaporizers. It is even considered as one of the smallest vaporizers made. However, despite the small size, it doesn’t seem quite fragile. Also, it has a straightforward design that is easy to understand, regardless if you are new to vaping or experienced.

But one drawback from the Alfa is that you need to grind the material well. Loose material won’t give you a good result since this is a conduction vaporizer.

Bonus Product: Magical Butter 2 By MB

Another product that we want to include in this list is the Magical Butter. Though the Magical Butter isn’t a portable vaporizer, this can easily compliment your portable vaporizer.

What makes the Magical Butter special is its ability to create cannabis-infused butter, oil and tinctures in seconds. If you think that you’ll need to follow complicated steps, this is something that isn’t complex to use.

It also has self-cleaning capabilities, which minimizes maintenance concerns. Aside from cooking cannabis products, the Magic Butter can also be used for culinary herbs, wherein you can make salad dressings and even skin care products.

Conclusion

There’s no reason to be frustrated if you plan to vape outside but only have a small budget. Given the number of options in the market today, there are plenty of varieties you can get with just $200.

Do you prefer vaping dry herbs or maybe essential oils? Comment below and share it with us!